Southern African countries that are home to the world's largest elephant population fear an increase in animal deaths in the coming months as food and water sources dwindle following a severe drought.

The region suffered a prolonged period of heat and drought during the 2023/24 rainy season, attributed to El Nino, a climatic phenomenon marked by warming waters in the eastern Pacific, leading to warmer weather around the world.

El Niño has exacerbated the impact of climate change, say scientists quoted in the Reuters report.

The drought has affected water and food supplies for humans, livestock and wildlife.

Zimbabwe lost 160 elephants in its main Hwange National Park in the year to January 2024, according to the country's wildlife authority.

Others, such as Zambia, have also confirmed elephant deaths in their national parks, with Environment Minister Rodney Sikumba describing the drought as "devastating".

The five countries that make up the Kavango-Zambeze Conservation Area (KAZA) - Zimbabwe, Zambia, Botswana, Angola and Namibia, home to a total of 227,000 elephants - are meeting in Livingstone, Zambia, to discuss sustainable wildlife management. (Reuters)